Lois Altman is the only person I know who has graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. She loves cookbooks and will, occasionally, tell me about her latest find. Not too long ago we ran into each other downtown at The Caffeinery and she explained her latest Library find, "Home Baked" by Yvette Van Boven.

"Home Baked" has proven to be so popular I had to order a copy just to see what all the fuss is about! Start with the contents page; it provides a succinct explanation of each chapter: Bread (with yeast, sourdough starter, baking powder, baking soda, or beer), Pie (tarts and pastries made from dough with filling that can be hearty that can be sweet), and so on.

A helpful note about gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free, and wheat-free follows a section on flour, which people with allergies will appreciate. Leavening agents are discussed and if you’ve ever wondered about the difference between baking soda and baking powder and when to use which one you will be enlightened. In fact, we are encouraged to make our own baking powder whenever we need it because it has a short shelf life. Testing baking powder and baking soda are two things you’ll learn how to do in this handy section on leavening agents.

"Home Baked"’s chapter on fixing mistakes, (the Oh Nooo! Chapter), is full of good advice and illustrations for fixing things such as if the cake is stuck in the pan or if egg whites won’t stiffen. The recipes though are what it is all about and they are well worth trying.

The bread chapter is worth the price of the book. Spicy Italian Anchovy-Garlic Bread, Pecan Rye Bread, and Soda Bread with nuts, grains and seeds will be in demand. The recipe for Turkish Pide is followed by Pide filled with seasoned lamb, and another filled with spinach, lemon, and Zaatar. There’s even a recipe for Mushroom Pie made with leftover bread!

Do try the Marble Cake with Blackberries and Basil and the Goat Cheese Soufflé! Your pets will like the Salmon Cookies. In fact, there is something for almost every person and pet in the house! Easy, fun, and delicious treats.